Before We Blame the Next Generation, Let’s Look in the Mirror
There’s a recurring narrative I keep noticing—especially from us, the so-called “Golden Generation,” the 80s-90s kids.
We proudly talk about how we had the best childhood, the best movies and music, the most unforgettable school and college days, and even a better environment. We say the newer generations—Millennials, Gen Z, and even younger—have only technology.
And then we go further: “They lack discipline.” “They don’t have manners, morals, or ethics.” “They have no respect for work, seniors, or even themselves.”
I’ll admit—I used to nod in agreement.
But then I paused. Who exactly are these Millennials and Gen Z? They are our younger siblings, our nieces and nephews, our own children, our students, our juniors at work.
And that raised a harder question: If something’s missing in them, who failed them? Isn’t it us?
I once read: “A child’s mind is like a blank canvas. What colour it takes depends on those who paint on it.”
So I ask: What colours did we paint?
Did we model integrity, or did we glorify success at any cost? Did we teach values, or just push for results? Did we justify bribery, shortcuts, and silencing others for personal gain—so long as it looked like success?
In our rush to give them a “better” life, maybe we led them through doors we never should have opened. And perhaps worse—we simply weren’t around. Ironically, those who were supposed to guide them—parents, teachers, elders—were often the ones least involved in meaningful, value-based interactions, by choice or by design.
And now, when they look for guidance, they turn to celebrities, influencers, and content creators—because those are the ones engaging with them more than we ever did.
So before we keep tagging this generation as “lost, entitled or misguided” let’s pause and ask:
Were we ever the mentors they needed? Or just loud voices with fading nostalgia?
How have you mentored the next generation—consciously or unconsciously?
Originally published on LinkedIn, 7 July 2025.